In this episode, Jamie Stewart and Gillian Schofield talk about what really makes networking work for ambitious business owners.

It’s not just about finding clients. It’s about building the kind of relationships that lead to collaborations, partnerships, and long-term growth.

Together they explore:

• Why your ideal clients might not come directly from the room, but your next big opportunity could

• How to spot and create complementary service partnerships

• The shift from transactional networking to intentional connection

• Why online networking can be more powerful (and efficient) than you think

• Real examples of how collaboration has helped Circle Networks members grow faster and smarter

If you’ve ever felt like networking should lead to more than just a business card exchange, this episode is for you.

Chapters

00:00 Rethinking Networking: From Selling to Collaborating

03:02 Identifying Ideal Clients and Partnerships

05:45 The Power of Collaboration in Business

08:50 Creating Unique Offerings Through Partnerships

11:47 Building Relationships: The Foundation of Collaboration

14:40 The Efficiency of Online Networking

17:33 Intentional Networking: Seeking Collaborations

In this conversation, Jamie and Gillian explore the concept that only a small percentage of people are ready to buy at any given time and how to effectively engage with the larger audience that isn't immediately interested. Takeaways:

• Networking should focus on building relationships, not just sales.
• Only 3% of people are ready to buy at any moment.
• Desperation in networking can repel potential clients.
• Asking 'Who do you know that needs this?' is more effective than pitching.
• Preparation and presenting your best self is crucial for networking success.
• Engaging conversations are built on asking good questions.
• Being interested in others makes you more memorable.
• Specificity in requests increases the likelihood of referrals.
• Networking is a skill that can be learned and improved.
• Follow up after networking events to solidify connections.

00:00 The Networking Dilemma: Desperation vs. Connection02:23 Understanding the 3%: The Importance of the 97%04:48 Building Relationships: The Art of Networking07:28 Creating Memorable Impressions09:55 The Right State: Preparing for Networking Success12:18 Asking the Right Questions: Engaging Conversations14:45 Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways for Effective Networking

In this episode, Gillian Schofield and Jamie Stewart have a straight-talking conversation about a trap so many business owners fall into... trying to do it all on their own.If you’ve ever told yourself, “I’ll just start my own business, get some clients, and manage everything myself,” this one’s for you. We’ve both been there. We’ve both worked late into the night, hit bottlenecks, and felt the pressure of keeping all the plates spinning.We talk about the moment you realise that doing everything yourself might be holding you back. From the hidden costs of doing too much, to the social isolation that creeps in when you’re always working alone, we share the reality behind self-employment that no one puts on LinkedIn.You’ll hear us talk about when to bring in help, how to spot when you’ve hit your ceiling, and why building a support network isn’t just helpful... it’s necessary. Whether you’re starting out or you’re a few years in and still carrying the weight of everything, this conversation will give you plenty to think about.Real stories. Practical ideas. No nonsense.00:00 Starting a Business on a Budget04:36 Navigating Self-Employment Challenges09:25 Entrepreneurial Support and Networking10:16 "Seizing Opportunities Through Collaboration"13:47 Realistic Billable Hours Challenge17:02 "Business Solutions Require Human Connection"20:18 Benefits of Delegating Tasks25:01 Outsourcing and Budget Planning30:15 Delegating Low-Value Tasks31:14 "Subscribe to Scale Business"

The Buffalo Sessions — Episode: Networking is Broken

Watch this before your next networking event.

Jamie Stewart is joined by first-time co-host Gillian Schofield for a raw, honest, and practical conversation about why traditional networking doesn’t work — and what to do instead.

In this episode:

Why most people approach networking the wrong way

The Networking Trap and how to escape it

How Circle Networks flips the script from “pitching” to relationship building

Why chasing 1-to-1s with everyone is a waste of time

The power of long-term collaboration over quick wins

How to build a referral team who actually sends you business

What real networking success looks like — with stories that prove it

Key takeaways:

Stop going to events just to sell.

Build friendships first — business follows.

A single great connection beats a dozen forgettable ones.

Strategic follow-up wins over frantic follow-up.

Warm introductions are more valuable than email intros.

00:00 Rethinking Business Networking Labels

04:31 "Networking: Beyond Client Hunting"

07:24 Building Trust Before Business

12:11 "Trap of Low Ticket Offers"

14:33 "Rethinking Networking for Relationships"

17:03 Integrate Networking with Marketing

20:15 Unlocking Networking Potential on LinkedIn

25:43 Friendship vs. Work Priorities

26:53 "Thanks for Listening"

Find out more about Circle Networks and grab your free trial here https://circlenetworks.co.uk/free-trial

In this episode I talk about the challenge of running a business and juggling many hats. What is 𝘽𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝘽𝙪𝙛𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙤 🦬 and whats coming up in the next few months.

Interested to find out more about Circle Networks just click here https://circlenetworks.co.uk/book-events

00:00 Introduction and the Be More Buffalo Mindset

04:21 The Networking Trap: Building Genuine Connections

10:56 The Importance of Relationships in Business

15:12 Upcoming Events and Opportunities for Growth

In this episode of The Buffalo Sessions, we sit down with the multi-talented Terry Campbell, a key player in the food and beverage sector, specialising in optimising business performance.

Terry dives deep into the intricacies of helping hospitality businesses improve profitability by refining logistics, supply chains, and product placement, all while enjoying the luxury of testing pies, curries, and more.

Terry shares insightful anecdotes about saving hotel chains substantial sums on bacon purchases and reflects on the importance of aligning business relationships with core values. We also explore his venture into ethical coffee retailing with Kinder Collective and his commitment to community involvement.

Whether you’re interested in growing a business sustainably or inspired by values led companies, this episode is packed with wisdom and feel good stories that will leave you smiling. Tune in and enjoy the conversation!

Welcome back to The Buffalo Sessions, where we dive deep into the journeys of entrepreneurs who are making waves in business and beyond.

In this episode, I sit down with Taqua, the founder of Freedom Visery, to explore her incredible journey from Saudi Arabia to Dubai—how she fell in love with the city's energy and built a thriving business in the Middle East.

We’ll be unpacking:
✅ The cultural nuances and business landscape of Dubai and the wider region
✅ Why cultural awareness is critical for success when doing business in the UAE
✅ How Freedom Advisory helps individuals and businesses bridge cultural gaps and thrive
✅ The power of genuine connections and community in the Middle East
✅ What’s next for Dubai and the exciting opportunities ahead

If you’re looking to expand your business in the UAE or just fascinated by the dynamics of doing business in this part of the world, this one’s for you.

Hit play, tune in, and let’s dive into the conversation with the brilliant Taqua!

In this episode titled Jamie is joined by Penny Hopkinson, an expert in creating operations manuals, who sheds light on the crucial role of structure and the power of organisation in business.

Penny shares her journey in the franchise industry, her insights into intellectual property, and her commitment to transforming traditional operations manuals into dynamic, accessible tools for the digital age.

Discover how Penny's book, "Manual Magic," serves as a pinnacle in her career, opening doors to new opportunities and cementing her status as a leader in her field.

Whether you're just starting out or seeking to streamline operations, Jamie and Penny offer invaluable advice on creating lasting value and impactful relationships. Tune in for a session filled with wisdom and actionable insights.